It was actually fun! (Thanks Rita for asking me!) I encouraged the new class to have fun, ask a lot of questions and don't admit to being a cop magnet! Captain Simpson had mentioned to the class that many people don't realize Johnson County has a Sheriff's Office and that many times deputies are asked if they work for Overland Park or the Olathe Police Department. When it was my turn to speak, I really hadn't planned on what I would say so I started off by saying that I also didn't know there was a Sheriff's Office in Johnson County until I got pulled over by a deputy a few years ago. That got a chuckle from the class.
Seriously though, I talked briefly about why I wanted to attend the academy, why it was a good idea to attend all the classes/activities (and if they missed a scheduled class to talk to Rita about making it up with the next academy class), to ask questions and have fun! I concluded by encouraging them to consider volunteering for the Sheriff's Office after graduation if they don't currently volunteer somewhere. Dave and I both commented about some of the events we have volunteered at since graduating. It is a great way to meet new people (other class graduates as well as deputies we didn't meet during our class), learn new things and give back to the community!
Welcome Class #31! Have fun! 12 weeks goes by really fast, enjoy the experience!!!
